The Sportsview Book of Soccer

With those words, Peter Dimmock introduces the world’s top sports stars to eight and a half million television viewers every Wednesday. In the thirty-minute program, he brings the World of Sport into the homes of sports lovers all over Great Britain, and there’s not a top-bracket star who has not sat at the Sportsview desk or performed in the Sportsview Studio. 
The 1958 SPORTSVIEW BOOK OF SOCCER stands as a remarkable artefact from a pivotal era in football history, when television was beginning to transform sports coverage. This inaugural edition, spanning 160 pages with 32 pages of illustrations, captures the essence of a sport on the cusp of its modern evolution.
Peter Dimmock, the face of BBC's groundbreaking "Sportsview" program, brought the same innovative approach to this book that made his television show a weekly destination for 8.5 million viewers. As a former RAF pilot turned sports broadcaster, Dimmock's unique perspective helped bridge the gap between traditional sports journalism and the emerging television age.
Published in 1958, the book arrived at a fascinating moment in football history:
◾The emergence of television sports coverage.
◾Cold War tensions reflected through sports (with coverage of matches in Moscow's Lenin Stadium).
◾The World Cup in Sweden.
◾The golden age of British football personalities.
The book features an impressive roster of football legends:
◾Stanley Matthews, the original wizard of the dribble.
◾John Charles, the Welsh phenomenon.
◾Danny Blanchflower, Northern Ireland captain and Footballer of the Year.
◾Johnny Haynes and Denis Compton.
What sets this book apart is its international perspective, featuring:
◾Coverage from the World Cup in Sweden.
◾Reports from Moscow and Belgrade.
◾Inside access to Wembley's dressing rooms.
◾Comprehensive look at football across continents.
◾Technical Insights.
The book offers practical football knowledge:
◾Penalty-taking techniques.
◾Analysis of Wolverhampton Wanderers' success.
◾Technical aspects of the game.
◾Quiz sections for football enthusiasts.
This volume serves as more than just a sports book - it's a historical document that captures:
◾The intersection of television and sports journalism.
◾East-West relations during the Cold War through the lens of football.
◾The transition of football from a local sport to a global phenomenon.
◾The early days of sports broadcasting.
The inclusion of 32 pages of illustrations on art paper was quite luxurious for 1958, demonstrating the publisher's commitment to quality visual content. This attention to production value mirrors the professional standards Dimmock brought to television sports coverage.
The book represents a crucial moment when sports media was evolving:
◾Television's growing influence on sports coverage.
◾The democratization of sports knowledge.
◾The emergence of the modern sports celebrity.
◾The breaking down of international barriers through sport.
For contemporary readers, this book offers:
◾A fascinating glimpse into football's past.
◾Understanding of how modern sports media evolved.
◾Insights into the roots of global football culture.
◾A treasure trove of historical football knowledge.
As the first edition of what would become a significant sports publication, this 1958 volume holds particular interest for:
◾Sports memorabilia collectors.
◾Football historians.
◾Media scholars.
◾British cultural historians.
The SPORTSVIEW BOOK OF SOCCER (1958) stands as a crucial document in sports publishing history. Its blend of expert analysis, star profiles, and global perspective was ahead of its time, while its connection to early sports television makes it particularly significant in media history. Historical Significance: ★★★★★
Collectible Value: ★★★★★
Contemporary Relevance: ★★★★☆
This inaugural edition remains a valuable resource for understanding both the evolution of football and sports media in the mid-20th century. It's an essential piece for any serious collection of football literature or British sports history.